Epidemiology

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 17.9 million deaths per year.[6]

Coronary heart disease mortality is decreasing in many developed countries, but is increasing in developing and transitional countries, partly as a result of increasing longevity, urbanization, and lifestyle changes. In the US, it is estimated that >780,000 people will experience an acute coronary syndrome each year, and approximately 70% of these will have NSTEMI.[2]

Retrospective data from 2010 to 2016 showed that in-hospital mortality in the US was higher in females with NSTEMI than in males (4.8% compared with 3.9%, based on unadjusted data). This difference in mortality remained after controlling for age, comorbidities, and hospital factors.[7]

Studies have shown an increase in NSTEMI incidence over time.[8][9][10][11]​​ This is likely due to the advent of more sensitive assays for myocardial injury, earlier pharmacotherapy, and reperfusion (and prevention) of STEMI.[3][8]​​ However, epidemiologic studies across Europe reported reductions in hospital admissions for NSTEMI during the COVID-19 pandemic (covering the period February-June 2020).[12]​[13]​[14]​

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